Seat belts are one of the most important safety features in any vehicle, saving thousands of lives each year. However, in certain accidents, a seat belt can cause serious injuries — sometimes due to the force of impact, other times because of a defect in its design or manufacturing. If you’ve suffered a seat belt injury in California, you may have the right to seek compensation.
The Role of Seat Belts in Vehicle Safety
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of death in a crash by about 45% and serious injury by 50% for front-seat occupants. Learn more here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/seat-belts
While seat belts are essential for safety, the way they restrain the body during a collision can sometimes result in harm — and in cases of product defects, those injuries may have been preventable.
Common Seat Belt Injuries
- Bruising or abrasions on the chest, shoulder, or abdomen
- Fractured ribs or sternum from restraint pressure
- Internal organ damage from the force of the belt
- Whiplash or spinal injuries caused by sudden restraint
- Neck injuries from improper belt positioning
- Seat belt syndrome — a combination of abdominal injuries and spinal fractures from high-impact collisions
When Is a Seat Belt Defective?
Some seat belt injuries are caused or worsened by defects such as:
- Belts that unlatch during impact
- Retractors that fail to lock properly
- Belts that are too loose or too tight
- Poorly positioned or anchored seat belts
- Faulty pretensioners in modern vehicles
The NHTSA tracks vehicle recalls for defective seat belts, which you can search here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls
Who Is Liable for a Seat Belt Injury?
Liability depends on the cause of the injury:
- Another driver – if their negligence caused the crash that led to the injury
- The vehicle manufacturer – if a defective design or assembly issue caused the seat belt to fail
- Parts manufacturers – if a faulty component caused the malfunction
California’s product liability laws allow victims to hold manufacturers accountable without proving negligence, as long as the defect caused harm.
Steps to Take After a Seat Belt Injury
- Seek immediate medical attention — internal injuries may not be obvious right away
- Preserve the vehicle and seat belt for inspection
- Take photos of injuries and the seat belt mechanism
- Obtain your accident report and medical records
- Contact a California seat belt injury lawyer to investigate the cause and determine liability
How Hillstone Law Can Help
At Hillstone Law, we handle both personal injury and product liability claims, making us well-equipped to pursue compensation for seat belt injuries. Whether the harm was caused by a defective product or the impact of another driver’s negligence, we’ll fight to recover damages for your medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
If you’ve suffered a seat belt injury in California, don’t wait to seek legal help.